That was the first time I heard about this stuff. I
turned to my good friend KM Chee, whom I can always count on for advice
for such matters, to enlighten me.
"舍利子”is called "Sharira" in Buddhism or in the
Sanskrit language. Apparently, they are crystals that remain behind after a
body has been cremated. Most monks and even those who are strictly on a
vegetarian diet and pursuing spiritual development would also leave behind
crystals when their bodies are cremated. The collection of 舍利子 that
my contact was referring to is said to be from the cremation of Sakyamuni Buddha
after his passing to Nirvana!
Out of curiosity, I wrote to another friend in
China. She said these relics could not be sold or bought; they had to
be “song” (送) or gifted. I also surfed
the net for more of it. I was surprised that there were so many websites
talking about it.
I always thought simplicity is the hallmark of this
religion. How wrong I have been! I sure have learned a great deal from all
these.
